PackSmart's History

1979

PackSmart was founded by Don Ross in 1979 as Central Staple & Shipping Supplies, Inc. Don saw a unique opportunity, when a former employer was faced with closing down their Chicago branch. He purchased the remaining assets and although close to retirement age, finally realized his dream of running a family-owned business with his wife, Dolores.

1982

Together they grew the business from their first location in Elk Grove Village, IL, thanks to Don’s background in the stapling and nailing arena. Realizing the need for additional help, Don’s son Sean, joined the business full-time in 1982. Sean had previously helped part-time with deliveries, servicing tools and warehouse/office duties, which prepared him well for his eventual position as owner/president.

1985

Don and Dolores decide to retire and Sean took over the operation in 1985. He hired his first full-time employee and outside salesperson, Jim Randazzo and sales began to grow. In 1987, the company name was shortened to Central Shipping Supplies, Inc.

1987-1990

The business expanded its focus to include packaging equipment and various packaging supplies and experienced rapid growth. In 1990, Sean’s brother Scott Ross, was lured away from his accounting career, to join the company as the controller. Additional sales, warehouse and staff personnel were added to handle the increase in sales activity. A Wisconsin branch was also opened and sales expanded into the Dairy State.

1992

Following seven years of dramatic growth, Central Shipping Supplies, Inc. designed and built a new facility in Carol Stream, IL. The company continued to grow and add employees as necessary and by 2002, even more space was needed.

2002

This was a big year for the company, as they embarked on a second new construction project and a name-change as well! A brand new facility in nearby Batavia, provided the additional warehouse and office environment needed to support continued growth. The name change to PackSmart, Inc. was fitting, as the company had evolved over the years from a simple supply distributor to its present day role as a team of problem solving professionals.

2007

A move to the Addison, IL facility in 2007, allowed PackSmart to open the doors to new business opportunities throughout the tri state area. Its proximity to the local transportation corridors, helped the company serve its core customers efficiently.

2009

PackSmart adopts the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) as its operating system. It gives PackSmart employees a well-defined structure in which they can grow, feel more fulfilled in their work, and achieve their personal goals. EOS also helps employees feel more “in-the-know” about what is going on at PackSmart.

2016

Continued growth of packaging machine sales created a need to improve their service facilities. In order to accommodate this, as well as the need for increased warehouse and rack space, PackSmart, Inc. moved to an expansive, yet “right-sized” facility in West Chicago, IL. This modern, well-equipped space allows the company to expand its capabilities and provide a machinery show room, in order to demonstrate its state-of-the-art equipment to customers and prospects.

Into the future…

Based on the goal of “Building Trusted and Lasting Business Relationships”, PackSmart, Inc. and every one of its employees, are committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction. We welcome inquiries and look forward to becoming a partner in your success!